Best Model 60?

[toasterburn]

I'm interested in buying a Model 60 (2").

Since the Model 60 has had several variations over the years, is there a model that's more desirable than the others?

I prefer having the SA option, I plan to only shoot .38, and I don't want an internal lock. So, it seems I have the following options:

60 - introduced in 1965
60-3 (1988) New yoke retention system
60-7 (1990) front sight 1/8 inch wide, new heat treatment
60-8 (1990) same as 60-7 for NYPD
60-9 (1996) change to J magnum frame
60-10 (1996) Target variation on J magnum frame
60-11 (1996) New frame design for 38 Special version only
60-12 (1996) new frame nose cut
60-13 (1996) same as 60-12 but target version

 

[TNZ71]

60-4 for the .38 Models

 

[Cal44]

I like the 60-9 because of the 357 Mag capability.

Or if you only want 38 special with no 357 option, then the 60-7. The 60-7 is stronger and has a little better sights.

 

[Breakaway500]

You can't go wrong with ANY model 60. Better..worse..whatever..it is way to subjective to have a valid answer to that question. Buy one..any one..you will grow to love it.
My first brand new revolver was a 60 back in the 80s. A Jovino square butt..which I didn't know at the time was any different than any other 60. No wonder I had trouble getting grips...

 

[murphydog]

For a classic 2" - a pinned barrel model 60 (made until about 1981). For + P capability, the 60-7, still available fairly regularly in regular and Lady Smith variations.

 

[jhnttrpp]

The no dash. What's not to love

 

[sawlog]

For a 2in I would say 60-9.
3in, 60-10.
I like to be able to shoot 357s out of them.
I tried to find a 60-10 at a reasonable price for awhile. Finally gave up and ordered a 60-15. Should be in tomorrow.

 

[Green Frog]

I'm with TNZ71 on this. Unless it were to be used strictly as a CC/BUG, I would go for the 60-4 with its 3" bbl with under lug and adjustable sights for maximum versatility. FWIW, this is the only Model 60 I own. If it were going need to be well hidden all the time, I'd look for a 60 or 60-1, anything with pinned barrel. The foregoing is JMHO, but that's what you asked for!

Froggie

 

[toasterburn]

I suppose I should also ask:

Looking through my Holster collection, I have a couple of nice vintage Model 60 .38 holsters.

Will these fit the newer .357 Model 60's as well?

 

[DocB]

Not even a contest. . .the 60-7 from the early 1990's. If you want a 357, go buy one. . .just not a M60.

 

[snowman.45]

I like them all. I am starting to collect J-Frames, and have my old 60 n/d I carried off-duty and as a back up in the late 70's, a 36 a 640-2 and a 340 M&P. I intend to collect many more. I would still like to find a 3" like TNZ71 has. Very nice gun. As far as carry goes, I carry the 340 M&P most often because of my advanced age and the light weight.

 

[sawlog]

I like them all. I am starting to collect J-Frames, and have my old 60 n/d I carried off-duty and as a back up in the late 70's, a 36 a 640-2 and a 340 M&P. I intend to collect many more. I would still like to find a 3" like TNZ71 has. Very nice gun. As far as carry goes, I carry the 340 M&P most often because of my advanced age and the light weight.

There is one one gunbroker now for 900 bucks! Lol

 

[vrichard]

It would be hard to get any better than this first year (1965) mdl.60.
Dick

 

[Cal44]

For a 2in I would say 60-9.
3in, 60-10.
I like to be able to shoot 357s out of them.
I tried to find a 60-10 at a reasonable price for awhile. Finally gave up and ordered a 60-15. Should be in tomorrow.

Yes, finding the no lock, magnum 60's isn't easy.

I finally found a 60-9 (2") and go to bail it out of jail tomorrow.

I have a 60-15 and it's a great gun, accurate and has a good (for a J frame) trigger.

It's sort of a mini - 686.

Lock has given me zero trouble.

 

[bigggbbruce]

You've posted in '61-'80 but ask about later models.

I've had a couple different versions from no dash to new.. all good.

Right now I have a -14. Because of the recoil with 357 and it has a lock, I chose to remove the flag portion not that I've had a problem with the locks. Just don't want to at the wrong time.

 

[Breakaway500]

My 2nd. favorite no dash 60...Ben Shostle enhanced..

 

[murphydog]

I suppose I should also ask:

Looking through my Holster collection, I have a couple of nice vintage Model 60 .38 holsters.

Will these fit the newer .357 Model 60's as well?

If they were tightly boned/fitted to an original model 60, probably not - the frame (J Magnum) is slightly larger and they have a 2 1/8" underlug barrel.

 

[MetalMan]

The no dash. What's not to love

Very much agree, though I would also like to add a 60-7 to my collection.

 

[two-bit cowboy]

I had a 60-3 Lady Smith with a 3" barrel, but I didn't like the anatomically designed-for-a-lady's hand stocks so I sold it to a lady friend who loves it. I picked up a 60-9 Lady Smith and like it a lot (except for the stocks -- they don't fit well, and they don't fit my mitt). I have an extra pair of S&W combat stocks that work perfectly!

I believe the -9 outdoes the -7 for a few reasons. It can be had with a 2⅛" barrel so the longer extractor rod helps. It's got a full lug: function and good looks! I'm one of those oddballs who doesn't mind shooting .357s out of a J-frame (it's all about having the right stocks) so the capability is there if and when I want it.

I've read here, but I don't know if it's true, the company does a bit of extra work on the Lady Smith actions. Each of the five Lady Smiths I own has a great action compared to the standard models.

Often I find the Lady Smiths to be a bargain by comparison, too, and I'm comfortable enough with my manhood that I don't care what "issue" (a word I normally would not use) some bad guy might have with me carrying a Lady Smith (nobody else would ever know!).

 

[Texas Star]

I love the M-60-4, but you specified a true snub, a point lost on some respondents. As usual...

M-60-7. Has metallurgical and yoke retention improvements. Is RATED for Plus P. Older ones officially aren't.

Factory told me that M-60-4 was the first Rated for Plus P.

 

[ajgunner]

I have to say my Model 60-3 will out shoot the other 8 J-frames that live with me. I have no idea why but this one is extremely accurate. Nope---not for sale at any price.

 

[chief38]

My top choice of M60's is the 60-7. All the good stuff with none of the bad. After firing .357's out of a M60-9 I've never had any desire to own one. Anyone thinking of using a -9 with full house Magnums should try one before buying one. I'll bet most would then be looking for a -7.

 

[Dale53]

Well, why it may not be exactly what the OP specified, my pick is my 60-4. It shoots so well, it is truly useful for more than one task.

Dale53

 

[Dale53]

Here's my 60-4:



Make no mistake, these are REAL shooters!

Dale53

 

[MetalMan]

I have a 60-15 and it's a great gun, accurate and has a good (for a J frame) trigger.

I wholeheartedly agree!!

Photos below "at play" and "at work".....

 

[model3sw]

Ashland M60-1 Target 2"

The first type S&W's I collected were the early Chief Special Target model & variations, so, it would naturally follow that my personal favorite Model 60 is the Model 60-1 Chief Target Special made in limited quantity for Ashland in appx 1984. Ya' see ?

 

[model3sw]

M60 NY-1 Shostle Engraved

My second favorite Model 60 is a M60-2, NY-1 Ben Shostle engraved, with genuine MOP stocks.

 

[S&WsRsweet]

My second favorite Model 60 is a M60-2, NY-1 Ben Shostle engraved, with genuine MOP stocks.

That is a very attractive firearm ,but I am sure you have had many folks tell you that.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I also have a 60-1 Target. Bought it new in about '85. As far as Model 60s go, it's a pretty fun gun. Model 60s weigh so much more than my Model 38 that it takes something special (like adj. sights) for it to be of interest to me.

 

[rburg]

That is a very attractive firearm ,but I am sure you have had many folks tell you that.

Well, it sure is attractive. But the temps around here were -7 this morning. You should buy that young lady on the sideplate some clothes.

What was the mime? Dear Santa, please bring the women on dad's computer some clothes?